You have probably heard or watched the news about someone being released from jail on bail. But have you ever been curious to find out what a bail bond is? If you are not, it is about time you are because you never know when you or a loved one might be in the same situation. It all starts when you are arrested and charged with a crime. From there, the court will choose a hearing date for your case. However, you could be detained until the hearing date or released on bail. Below is more information on bail bonds.

1. What Is a Bail Bond and How Does It Work?

To get a clearer understanding, you need to know what bail is. Bail is insurance between you and the court that you will appear in court if released. It is the money you pay for your freedom to return on the hearing date. Unfortunately, the set bail amount is often high, and very few can afford it. That is where bail bond agents come in.

The agents can post bail on your behalf for a small amount of interest to get you out of jail. First, however, there has to be an agreement between the bail bond agency and the court, where the agency accepts responsibility for your appearance in court.

2. How Does the Court Determine the Bail Amount?

Before the bail amount is set, the judge usually sets up a bail hearing, after which they may or may not accept your request to be released on bail. One of the hindrances is if the defendant is considered a threat to society. If the judge accepts your plea to be released on bail, they determine the amount based on the charges.

In most cases, the greater the alleged crime, the higher the amount. In some instances, the court may accept collateral in place of cash. Therefore, it is safe to conclude that bail varies from case to case. However, a bail bond agent can help you secure and post the amount required to secure your freedom.

3. How Do Bail Bond Agencies Charge?

Bail bond services are not entirely free. Since the agents are taking a risk to keep you out of jail, they charge a service fee. The fee amount depends on several factors. The first factor is the reason for your rest and the risk involved in bailing you out. But generally, it should be about 10 to 20 percent of the total bail amount. Additionally, you have to give collateral to guarantee that you will show up for the hearing.

This is the essential information you need to know about bail bonds and what to do if you or someone you know ever gets arrested. Therefore, you don't have to spend a day longer in jail since you can seek the help of a bail bond agency.